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Hull Ionians v Leicester Lions Programme Notes        Report     Photos    MM Photos

Introduction by Director of Rugby

What a difference a fortnight makes! After losing the first five games on the bounce with performances ranging from the horrific to very good, we have in the last two weeks beaten Huddersfield 30-13 and Bradford and Bingley 28-13. The performances in both games was much improved but we must continue to strive to improve week on week - one swallow doesn't make a summer!
Thankfully our injury list is now much smaller as a number of players have returned to action in both the 1st XV and 2nd XV over the last few weeks and our hard working physios, Georgina and Katie, should take great credit for this. The players have also worked very hard on the training paddock to correct our early season faults and there is now an enthusiastic buzz around the Club.
Having said all of that we perhaps face an even sterner test today as we entertain Leicester Lions who swept past Fylde last weekend 35-3 and I would like to welcome all their players, coaching staff and supporters to Brantingham Park for what I am sure will be a keenly contested match as we are certainly looking forward to the challenge with renewed confidence.
On the player front I would like to congratulate James Greene, who has returned after a spell of rugby league with Hull FC, on playing his 100th game for the Club last weekend at Bradford and also Danny Hague who will be playing his 100th game today. Well done and congratulations to you both from everybody at Ionians in reaching this milestone.
Whilst Greenie has returned to rugby union, I am disappointed to say that another of our highly promising youngsters, Joe Donkin, has decided to accept the offer of a contract from Hull FC after impressing in their reserves during the summer and therefore will not be playing rugby union at Brantingham Park this season. We wish him well.
Strong vocal support really helps and is much appreciated by the players so make sure you make plenty of noise today and give the lads your backing right to the end. I hope you enjoy the game and stay for a beer - or two - after. Up the I's.

 Stephen Townend

 Match Officials
Our referee today is James Matthew from the Scottish Rugby Union, an unusual but welcome exchange visit. As far as I can find out James was promoted onto the SRU Panel from the Edinburgh Society this summer.
Our assistant referees today are Craig Lord and Mike Wells, regular visitors in the past, sometimes together as today, but both making their first visit this season, though Craig was with us at Preston. They are also both with us in two weeks time at Caldy. Craig lives in Nottingham and Mike in Wetherby. In the stand we also welcome an old friend, Ken Bracewell, as the referee’s assessor/coach.

 Next Home Match
The next match at Brantingham Park is next Thursday, October 29^th, when the 2^nd XV, The Hawks, will play Hull University 1^st XV under floodlights, kick–off 7.00p.m (Now cancelled). Please note that the next 1^st XV home game against Macclesfield on November 14^th will be at our winter kick-off time of 2.00p.m.

 Player Profile + Action Photo – Scott Wilson

 Match report
The last two weeks have put the smiles back on the faces as we have won a couple of games with some good rugby that has taken us three places up the table. At home to Huddersfield the power of the pack destroyed the Huddersfield eight with the front 3 receiving a bottle of wine each as joint man of the match, but the second and back row also deserved praise, their second half push over penalty try being their true reward. First half tries came from super running lines by Luke Thundercliffe after James Ferguson and James Greene created the half chance and Oli Marns racing over on the opposite wing. James Ferguson kicked 3 conversion and 3 penalties.
At Bradford the forwards also ground out their supremacy. James Greene celebrated his 100^th match with a first half try after Danny Smith made the break and a chip ahead. After the break Danny Hague took a scoring pass from James Ferguson after Ollie Marns made ground and provided quick ball and Mark Wigham stretched out to secure the pack’s push over try. James Ferguson kicked the opening conversion then Iain Gordon came on as replacement and kicked the second as well as 3 penalties.